by Kelly Eric Ehor | Feb 13, 2025 | Ghana, Other Sports
In light of ongoing national restructuring efforts, there is a growing demand for the appointment of a technical expert, rather than a political appointee, to lead the National Sports Authority (NSA) of Ghana. Experts argue that a leader with a strong background in sports management would drive sustainable growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance Ghana’s performance in international competitions. This approach aligns with global best practices, where professionally led sports institutions achieve greater success. Advocates propose Prof. Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, an experienced sports professional and manager, as the ideal candidate to spearhead the transformation of Ghana’s sports sector.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Feb 13, 2025 | Athletics, Ghana
The President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah, has disclosed that renowned Jamaican Olympian Asafa Powell has pledged to assist in securing tartan tracks for the OlympiAfrica project in Amasaman.
Mr. Nunoo Mensah, also known as Nii Kojo Ashiefie Papanyira I, emphasized the project’s significance in enhancing Ghana’s sports infrastructure. He reaffirmed the GOC’s commitment to providing world-class facilities for young athletes.
Asafa Powell, who is married to Ghanaian Alyshia Powell—niece of the GOC President—has shown strong support for Ghanaian sports development through this initiative.
The OlympiAfrica Project at Amasaman, spearheaded by the GOC, has completed its first phase, which includes a basketball/volleyball court, a tennis court, and a standard football field with running tracks. Funded by a $100,000 grant from the OlympiAfrica Foundation, the project aims to serve as a hub for athlete development and community engagement. So far, $79,161 has been spent on site preparation, architectural designs, and court construction.
The second phase, which involves constructing a multipurpose sports hall, is in advanced stages, awaiting a building permit from the Ga North Municipal Assembly. The project, according to OlympiAfrica Director Alassane Diack, is primarily designed for children aged 5 to 15 within the Amasaman community.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Feb 3, 2025 | International, Nigeria, Other Sports
Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has vowed to return to the octagon despite suffering his third straight loss and second career knockout against Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night 250 in Saudi Arabia.
The Nigerian-born New Zealander addressed fans on social media after the second-round TKO defeat, showing his trademark resilience.
“As real as it gets, @ufc. Rolled the dice…snake eyes. I’ll be back, gone to get some milk,” Adesanya wrote.
The 35-year-old had hoped to end his losing streak after previous defeats to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 and Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305. However, his comeback attempt was halted by the surging French contender.
Despite a strong start with damaging leg kicks, Adesanya was rocked late in the first round by a stiff shovel hook. Imavov capitalized in the second round, dropping Adesanya with a powerful right hand before finishing him with ground strikes, prompting referee Marc Goddard to stop the fight.
This marks the first time in six years that Adesanya has competed without a title at stake, bringing his professional record to 24 wins (16 knockouts) and 4 losses. Three of those defeats have come in the past year.
Before the fight, Adesanya had downplayed retirement talks, asserting, “I’m always in the title picture. That’s because I’m Israel Adesanya, and I’ve done so much in this game.”
Following the loss, fans were divided on his future. Some urged him to retire, while others expressed support for his resilience and skill.
“You got nothing left to prove, brother! Leave the game,” one fan commented.
Others, however, encouraged him to keep going. “You looked sharp tonight. Everyone gets caught—it’s part of the game. Rest up and come back stronger.”
For Imavov (15-4), this victory marks the biggest of his career and could put him in line for a title shot following wins over Roman Dolidze, Jared Cannonier, and Brendan Allen.
Though Adesanya recently joked about being a “gatekeeper” in the sport, his defiant response suggests he isn’t ready to step away just yet.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Feb 3, 2025 | International, Nigeria, Other Sports
Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya endured his third straight defeat and second career knockout loss on Saturday night, falling to Nassourdine Imavov via second-round TKO in the main event of UFC Fight Night 250 in Saudi Arabia.
The Nigerian-born New Zealander was aiming to bounce back from consecutive losses to Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis but was halted by the surging French contender. Adesanya had early success with low kicks, but Imavov rocked him late in the first round with a shovel hook and a powerful right hand.
The fight ended early in the second round when Imavov dropped Adesanya with a massive right hand, followed by an uppercut and ground strikes, prompting referee Marc Goddard to stop the bout.
Adesanya, 35, had played down concerns about his future before the fight, stating he would always be in the title picture. However, this defeat marks his first non-title fight in six years, leaving questions about his next move. His record now stands at 24 wins (16 KOs) and five losses.
For Imavov (15-4), the win is the biggest of his career, potentially positioning him for a title shot after previous victories over Roman Dolidze, Jared Cannonier, and Brendan Allen.
Adesanya recently joked about becoming a “gatekeeper,” fueling speculation about what lies ahead for the former champion.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Feb 3, 2025 | Boxing, Ghana
Ghanaian boxer Musah Lawson, a standout from the Ghana Prisons Service, is set to return to the ring on March 6, 2025, at the Bukom Boxing Arena. He will face a formidable opponent in hard-hitting Alidu Sulemana.
Speaking on The Big Fight Night Show on Omashi TV, Lawson expressed concerns about his extended amateur career but remains confident in his skills and ambitions. A former Black Bombers member, he spent seven years representing Ghana and has been a professional for four years, though he struggles to secure regular fights.
Lawson, also known as ‘Awoo Dade,’ dreams of becoming a world champion. While his brothers in Canada have supported him in winning a national title, he now seeks a manager and promoter to take him to the international stage.
Despite a single professional loss in an unprepared catchweight contest, he has gained experience and is ready for greater challenges. He expressed gratitude to the Ghana Prisons Service, his coaches—including Dr. Ofori Asare, Ebenezer Quaye (Akpenator), and Coach Sulemana—and his supporters for their unwavering backing.
Musah Lawson’s determination remains unshaken as he looks forward to proving himself among the best in his division.
